On Chicago: Advice for Visitors

Mayor Daley and The City of Chicago Department of Tourism recently unveiled their redesigned major tourism website called ExploreChicago. You can read about the launch on NBC Chicago.

ExploreChicago is filled with typical useful information for visitors such as where to stay and things to do. It even has a page for visitors who happen to be History Buffs. My favorite page, however, is called Local Customs which provides handy tips to the first timer on navigating the urban jungle.

Alas, they missed a few good pointers. Today's "On Chicago" comes from a late nineteenth century print counterpart of the website: Chicago: An Instructive and Entertaining History of a Wonderful City: with a Useful Stranger's Guide By Rhodes & McClure Pub. Co., Chicago, 1888.

CAUTIONS TO TRAVELERS

1. Always make a bargain beforehand.
2. Take number of expressman, hackman, or cab-driver, in case of any difficulty, and report at office and to the police, at the City Hall.
3. Never repose confidence in strangers.
4. Hotel proprietors, according to the laws of Illinois, are not liable for guests' valuables unless placed in their care at the office.
5. Look out for the " elefant." Keep to the right.
6. Keep your eyes open and your mouth shut. Keep your feet from stumbling and your ways from guile.
7. Buy and use our " CHICAGO HISTORY AND GUIDE."



GOOD ADVICE FOR PLEASURE-SEEKERS IN LARGE CITIES(from the Omaha World.)

Keep sober.
Avoid crowds.
Keep to the right.
Don't tip the waiter.(Really?)
Don't talk to strangers.
Keep your wits about you.
Keep your eyes wide open.

Don't let strangers talk to you.

Do not talk loud, dress loud, nor act loud. (Could we have this rule apply to the trains?)

If you wear a watch, keep your coat buttoned up.

Never exhibit money or valuables in public places.

If you want information ask a uniformed police officer.

Never let your curiosity get the better of your discretion.

Don't try to create the impression that you are a millionaire.

Be sure that the way is clear before you attempt to cross the street. (Had a nice guy pull me out of the way of a bus at State and Randolph once.)

Always go about as if you were on business, whether you are or not.

Don't run after a street car. There will be another one along in time.

Don't patronize the shop that keeps a man on the sidewalk to urge you.

Don't be afraid to say 'no," and to say it understandingly and decisively.

Look out for the young man who wants to carry your gripsack for 10 cents.

Never expect to get something for nothing. It will be a dear purchase in the end. (Sounds like Ben Franklin.)

Move along on the sidewalk with the procession, and don't try to buck against it. (Shades of Henry Blake Fuller.)

When you are in doubt keep straight ahead until you meet a police officer then ask him.

You don't need much money to visit a dime museum. Leave what you don't require at home. (Seen the price of a theater ticket lately?)

Never hand the car conductor, bootblack, or newsboy a $5 bill and expect him to make change. (Today that would be called a downpayment.)

Look out for the fellow who wants to "step inside' or around the corner to change your bill. (And, nix on the alley, too.)

If you meet a friend or acquaintance don't stand and talk with him in the middle of the sidewalk.

Have your name and address and the name and address of some friend always in your pocket. (Or pinned to you sleeve.)

Make a memorandum of the street and number where you leave anything that you expect to get again.

Do not employ a hack or cab unless its number is conspicuously displayed, and remember the number.

Before starting for any given place ascertain the most direct route, and then follow it without asking questions.

Avoid the man who says he came from your town and mentions to you the names of some people you know.

Don't wrangle with a hackman but if you think he is swindling you, call a police officer, and leave the matter to him.